Nathalie L

Happy Birthday :)

I went to a social once, and there were a few people there who knew my real name. One person introduced me to someone and said "this is _____". The name they used was my real name, and I didn't know who they were introducing me to. Turns out that person was using my name as a work name. Initially I thought they were introducing me to people using my real name. I almost shat myself. It's wasn't a big deal, and turned out to be quite innocent, but my gosh. It was a shocker moment!

I completely agree. It isn't your information to tell and she would benefit more from having a supportive friend than one who expressly violates her trust. Her parents questions aren't your issue and they should be speaking with her directly if they have concerns.

Like Samantha, I consider myself to be a companion. At times a label is simply a matter of semantics, but I do believe this term to be a much more representative of the type of experience I offer. It is also representative of my attitude while I'm hosting. Like Cat, I consider my clients to be guests. Colloquially I will sometimes refer to my guests as clients. I've used patron in advertising before, but I never (ever) use "John" or "Hobbyist". "John" as a term really homogenizes all clients, and it also reinforces stereotypes about the 'typical' client we hear about in the media which we all know isn't accurate. I've never really understood the term 'hobbyist' to be honest.

Congratulations Jade. I'll always remember your post "My Darling Lover..." Very beautiful.

I've updated my blog a few times and forgot to post the updates here. I'm so scattered lately (school urgh) Enjoy! Here's my blog. Nat xox

--swoons--

Happy Birthday! I hope you celebrate your many accomplishments today and are surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones!

Here's a list of some of my all-time favourite books: "Kushiel's Dart" by Jacqueline Carey "1984" by George Orwell "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold "Self" by Yann Martel "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult "The Clan of the Cavebear" by Jean M. Auel "The Swimming-Pool Library" by Alan Holinghurst "Fall on Your Knees" by Anne-Marie MacDonald "The Hours" by Michael Cunningham "Sexing the Cherry" by Jeannette Winterson "The Postmidstress" by Sarah Blake "Tales of the City" by Armistead Maupin "Chorus of Mushrooms" by Hiromi Goto "Valencia" by Michelle Tea "Zami" by Audre Lorde "On Chesil Beach" by Ian McEwan

RG, you're amazing. Keep the ramblings coming.

Some of my clients have children around my age. At times, the topic comes up and we discuss their futures, what they are doing, and how they are supporting themselves (financially and otherwise). When I feel particularly courageous (because it does take courage) I sometimes ask my clients if their daughters, who are around my age, were to start escorting, how they would react. Their responses are often a very stark and honest portrayal of their thoughts on this industry, and the women and men within it. At times those reactions are hard for me to hear. Like I said, I sometimes need courage but feel it's a good opportunity to make a small shift, or to remind my clients that I'm also a daughter. In fact, I'm a daughter with incredibly supportive parents who understand and appreciate what I've decided to do to support myself throughout my education. "I would never let my daughter do that", they sometimes say. Or "she has no reason to do that because I provide this and that for her". Sometimes it's simply an honest answer "I would find it really hard, and would want to convince her to do otherwise". The comfort with someone else's daughter doing it, but not your own, is a testament to work that needs to be done. It's also a broader reflection upon us, at times. Hence the courage. As RG often says, a few ramblings. Nat xox p.s. I'm really not ashamed at all. Society makes me feel like I should be ashamed but I'm smart enough to know that I'm not the problem.

Sitting with a travel agent from CAA, and discussing the various tours of South America I could do in August before my conference. I'm leaning towards a 17 day tour at the moment, followed by the conference in Buenos Aires and the post-conference training. I would be away for 28 days! OMFG!

Facebook thinks I have a love for traveling [with Expedia] (true) and that I love cheese [Tre Stella] (also true) Facebook (or its sponsors) also wants me to test drive an eco friendly convertible o_O (how does Facebook know I don't have a car anymore?!) Oh, I'm also a lesbian according to Facebook (I'm with Malika on that one). >.>... <.<... no comments. Nat xox

This thread is adorable. Please keep the posts coming <3 I used to own a dog, and here's what I would say about him... Name: Jackson Breed: Sheltie I am an SP. I'm really hyper, and don't listen particularly well. I'll keep you very entertained with my stories and I'm always very happy. If you treat me well, I will adore you forever... Especially if you tip me with doggie treats. I like to sleep on my back with my feet up in the air and when I dream I make lots of sounds. If you make any sudden movements I will bark at you. Once I realize it's you, I'll lick your face instead. Hobbies include: running, jumping, playing, and chewing on things. I hope you're into that. If you would like to book an appointment, please e-mail my owner at [email protected]. She's my booking agent because I can't type. I don't have thumbs =(

- I brush my teeth in the shower (always). - I always wash my hair at the very end of a shower. - When I eat ice cream I always equalize by eating tiny bites across the surface and I don't like when people take big bites and leave huge dents (although I kind of like it because then I have to work really hard to equalize the ice cream all over again which results in me eating more of it). - Once the ice cream starts to melt, I eat the melted bits on the side near the edge. I always eat my ice cream in this way. - I always eat the colourful smarties first. - I sometimes look at myself in the mirror and talk to myself. - I clean, compulsively (is that quirky, or just anal?) - When I cook I always follow a recipe, and never modify it. I don't like 'winging it'. - I have dance parties in my living room, alone. Just some quirks, Nat xox

I'm off to Argentina! My abstract was accepted for a conference in August. I posted about it in my blog: http://lovely-nathalie.com/blog/ Nat xox

This is me playing with Nuru gel in my bikini! :) it's fun!

I think we all have multi identities and many ways of being in the world. I'm an escort, but I'm also a lover, sister, friend, student, and yogini. Some things aren't relevant in certain contexts, and we all have things we would simply prefer not to discuss. All of my friends and family know what I do; unfortunately, being able to live life openly is a privilege only few share in this industry. The only time I've ever lied is with an intimate partner who did not support me seeking my financial independence through escorting. Suffice it to say, we are no longer together. For some people, the 'double life' is necessary for their mental, physical, and emotional health. It's not necessarily bad, and it doesn't necessarily cause dissonance. For some, it can be very healthy and I've heard many gentlemen echo (both on the board and face-to-face) that the experiences they have with service providers help create and maintain a balance in their lives... Despite the 'double life' at times (managing/mitigating risk and making sure not to get caught), I think that's a really beautiful thing.

My secret indulgence is hobbying ;) Cat is out of the bag now...

I Like Tattoos Daily has gorgeous photographs on Twitter (https://twitter.com/iLikeTattsDaily). Here's one of their photographs from today:

I posted a poem on my blog about what I was doing during the Boston bombing. http://lovely-nathalie.com/blog/

I try to be compassionate with myself as much as possible. While regret is useful, as articulated by Porthos, it does not serve a purpose beyond learning about oneself. If ever I experience a twinge of regret, I try to remind myself that in that moment (the moment over there, forgotten, lapsed, or otherwise inaccessible), I made the best possibile decision for myself. Perhaps now I'm different, or somehow wiser (possible older?), but that doesn't mean that back then my decision wasn't right for me. With age comes that recognition. I made a lot of really stupid mistakes, even within the past few years, but I've learned incredibly valuable lessons from them. I try not to be too hard on myself :) This was a wonderful thread, thank you so much Al!

I agree with Cristy, and with everyone else who has posted in this thread. While I support Canadians traveling to Switzerland to access the services of Dignitas, it means that only those who can afford the travel expenses can die with peace, and dignity. That makes my heart ache, because there are a lot of people in Canada who simply can't afford those kinds of services, but desperately want them. I think it should be decriminalized. Here's a news article from the 26th about the debate: http://canadaam.ctvnews.ca/assisted-suicide-debate-reignited-with-death-of-canadian-in-switzerland-1.1254921

Great martini recipe! Mmm.... Don't drink doubles though ;) http://lovely-nathalie.com/blog/

I just finished watching the movie " " with Karine Vanasse. It's a French Canadian film but I'm sure it's available with subtitles. It was amazing!